Carrying gold from Canada to India is common among travellers — whether it’s for weddings, investment, or as gifts for loved ones. However, India has strict customs rules on how much gold you can bring without paying duty, and exceeding the limit can result in hefty charges or even confiscation.
If you’re travelling in 2025, here’s everything you need to know about the latest rules, allowances, and customs limits.
1. Understanding India’s Gold Import Rules
Gold imports into India are regulated by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). These rules apply to Indian citizens returning from abroad, OCI/PIO cardholders, and even foreign nationals visiting India.
While the government allows you to bring gold into the country, the quantity and form (jewellery vs. bars/coins) determine whether you’ll pay customs duty or not.
2. Duty-Free Gold Allowance for 2025
For travellers arriving from Canada to India in 2025, the duty-free allowance remains as follows:
- For Indian men: Up to 20 grams of gold jewellery, not exceeding ₹50,000 in value.
- For Indian women: Up to 40 grams of gold jewellery, not exceeding ₹100,000 in value.
Important:
- This exemption applies only to jewellery — not gold bars, coins, or bullion.
- The passenger must have stayed abroad for more than 1 year to claim this duty-free benefit.
If you’ve been abroad for less than a year, the allowance may be lower or not applicable at all.
3. Bringing Gold Bars or Coins
If you wish to bring gold bars or coins from Canada, you must declare them at Indian customs and pay the applicable duty.
As of 2025, the import duty rates are:
- Gold bars/coins: 15% Basic Customs Duty (BCD) + 3% GST + 5% Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC).
- The total cost can be around 20% of the gold’s value.
You can bring in up to 1 kg of gold per passenger (including jewellery) by paying the duty at arrival.
4. Customs Declaration Process
When you land in India:
- If you’re within the duty-free limit — proceed through the green channel.
- If you’re carrying more than the allowance — go through the red channel and declare your gold.
- You’ll need to fill out a customs declaration form and provide:
- Proof of purchase (invoice from Canada)
- Passport and boarding pass
- Duration of stay abroad
Failing to declare excess gold can result in seizure and penalties.
5. Tips to Avoid Issues at Customs
- Wear the gold you intend to bring — loose jewellery in a bag is more likely to attract scrutiny.
- Carry receipts for your jewellery, especially if it’s newly purchased.
- If carrying bars or coins, have proof of purchase and funds used.
- Don’t split gold between family members to bypass limits — customs may question this if travelling together.
6. Why These Rules Exist
India imports a significant amount of gold every year, which impacts the trade balance. The government imposes customs limits to:
- Curb smuggling
- Control foreign exchange outflow
Ensure proper taxation on imported gold
7. Quick Reference Table – 2025 Gold Carrying Rules from Canada to India
| Category | Duty-Free Limit | Max Allowed with Duty | Conditions |
| Indian Men | 20g jewellery (₹50,000) | Up to 1 kg | Stay abroad > 1 year |
| Indian Women | 40g jewellery (₹100,000) | Up to 1 kg | Stay abroad > 1 year |
| Foreign Nationals / OCI | No duty-free allowance | Up to 1 kg | Duty applies |
| Gold Bars/Coins | Not duty-free | Up to 1 kg | Duty applies |
8. Final Takeaway
In 2025, travellers from Canada to India can bring a small quantity of gold jewellery duty-free — 20g for men, 40g for women — if they’ve been abroad for over a year. Anything beyond that, including gold bars and coins, must be declared and will incur import duty (around 20%).
If you’re planning to carry gold, plan your purchase carefully, keep documentation ready, and know your rights and limits. This will ensure a smooth journey through Indian customs and help you avoid unexpected costs or delays.